College Search

One of the most important websites to visit when exploring colleges and college preparation is North Carolina’s www.CFNC.org.

You set up your account to investigate how to apply and pay for college. You take interest inventory quizzes and college matching questionnaires to help you figure out what you can do after you graduate from Cresset. There is excellent information for parents and students about college entrance requirements, visiting colleges, and applying for scholarships. There is a tuition calculator, and a financial aid calculator that will help you in making the plans for the future college expenses. There also are links on that web site to help you prepare for the SAT. It is a one-stop web site for applications to many of North Carolina’s colleges and universities.

Other College Search Resources:

www.Review.com – Princeton Review has some more college matching and career search information.

ACT, SAT, AP Tests

Another important web site is www.collegeboard.com to find out information about the PSAT and the SAT.

The PSAT is given to all 10th and 11th graders in October. This test, given here at Cresset, is a vital first step to begin studying for the SAT, because the score report gives you a code which accesses a free customized online SAT prep course. The test prep is customized according to how you answered the questions on the PSAT. In other words you can work on the subjects and problems that were difficult for you on the PSAT prior to taking “the real thing”. Additionally, there is an essay practice component that is new to the website which helps you to know what to expect for the essay writing.

Juniors should plan to take the SAT at a local public high school in January and again in May or June. If the two scores are not as high as you had hoped, you may also take the SAT in the fall of your senior year. College Board also has a college matching service similar to the CFNC website.

After being accepted to certain colleges, you may need to take the SAT II or Subject tests in math or foreign language. Some colleges require these tests for placement purposes. These usually are taken in the spring of the senior year.

Some colleges accept the ACT. If you decide this is the test you would rather take, you may access the registration information at www.ACT.org. Be sure to take the ACT with the writing section as most colleges require this for admission.

Financial Aid

All students and their parents must complete the FAFSA application in order to be considered for any scholarship, grant or federal loan.

FAFSA stands for FREE APPLICATION FOR STUDENT AID. You do not have to pay for this service.

To access the correct website go to www.fafsa.ed.gov. This is done as soon as a senior’s parents have completed their taxes, and it is important to complete the FAFSA in January if possible. Check with the university or college website to determine the deadline for this information to be completed. Many colleges have deadlines as early as February. If you will not have your taxes completed by the deadline, you can use the previous years’ taxes to estimate and then go back to resubmit after yours are complete.

One note: The PIN numbers that you will receive upon applying for FAFSA will be used every year. Put your Username, Password and PINs (you and your parents will need separate PIN numbers) in a safe place for future reference. Some colleges also require that you complete the CSS Profile for further determination of scholarship need. This form can be accessed through the same www.collegeboard.com web site you used for the SAT registration. Check with your college financial aid office in order to determine if you will need this profile.

www.fastweb.com – A web site that will overwhelm you with possible scholarships to fit your profile.

Transcript Request

To request a transcript, please print the appropriate Transcript Request form and fax or mail it to the school. Please allow 3 business days for transcripts to be processed.Note: Transcripts may not be processed unless all accounts are clear of charges.